Alpine F1 Team Announces Driver Change Amid Leadership Shakeup
In a significant shift within the Alpine F1 team, Jack Doohan has been replaced by Franco Colapinto as the primary driver following a disappointing start to the 2025 season. Doohan, who failed to score points after six races, struggled notably during the Miami Grand Prix, which included a collision at Turn 1.
Colapinto will take the wheel for the next five races, while Doohan returns to reserve duties. The team has indicated it will reassess its driver lineup after the upcoming Austrian Grand Prix in June.
Reflecting on his demotion, the 22-year-old Australian expressed disappointment but remains committed to supporting the team. “I am very proud to have achieved my lifelong ambition to be a professional Formula 1 driver,” Doohan said. “This latest chapter is a tough one for me to take… I will continue to give my maximum efforts in any way I can.”
The driver change coincides with the resignation of team principal Oliver Oakes, who had managed Alpine alongside executive advisor Flavio Briatore since last summer. Briatore, now the sole decision-maker, stated, “With the field being so closely matched… we need to rotate our lineup. This is the right thing to do in order to maximize our ambitions next year.”
The next five races will provide both Colapinto and Alpine with an opportunity to refine their competitive edge ahead of the crucial 2026 season. The outcome of this strategic decision could prove pivotal for the team’s future trajectory in Formula 1.
